There is a pressing need for an evaluation rubric that examines all aspects of educational apps designed for instructional purposes. In past decades, many rubrics have been developed for evaluating educational computer-based programs; however, rubrics designed for evaluating the instructional implications of educational apps are scarce. When an…

This article examines the merits of WebQuests in facilitating students' in-depth understanding of science concepts using the four principles of learning gathered from the National Research Council reports "How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School" (1999) and the "How Students Learn: Science in the Classroom" (2005) as an analytic…

Children are often intrigued by number patterns and games and so it makes sense for teachers to include them in their mathematics lessons. Puzzles encourage the use of critical thinking skills and provide practice in important skills areas. The use of games fosters mathematical learning and encourages the mathematical processes that children use.…

Novak and Iuli [Novak, J. D. & Iuli, R. J. (1991). The use of meta-cognitive tools to facilitate knowledge production. In "A paper presented at the fourth Florida AI research symposium (FLAIRS '91)," Pensacola Beach, FL, May, 1991.] discuss the use of Concept Maps as meta-cognitive tools that help people to think about thinking. This work…

This overview of development of Web-based college courses discusses: costs and benefits of Web tools; a 10-level Web integration continuum; a learner-centered view of Web learning; ways to embed critical thinking, creative thinking, and cooperative learning into Web-based courses; sample Web courses and tools; and pedagogical implications.…

This paper describes the development of a database-driven World Wide Web-based tutorial to support pre/in-service teacher education in learning Web page creation. The paper focuses on querying the tutorial database. Advantages, disadvantages, software and hardware, and revisions are reported. Contains 10 references. (MES)

Considers metacognition as a basis for software used in computer-assisted instruction. Topics discussed include the role of the teacher as a facilitator of higher order thinking skills; cognitive tools for learner support; learning theory and instructional design, including behaviorism, information processing, and constructivism; two software…

Discusses the activities of Junior Achievement of Georgia in its efforts to promote economic education. Describes programs developed on economics: a textbook, workbook exercises, a student company activity, computer based simulation, and a business consultancy. Explains the development of a curriculum for kindergarten through sixth grade and…

Several CD-ROM products are being developed in Hawaii as part of MIDAS (Multimedia Industry for the Development of Academic Software), which helps promote technology in the classroom. The article examines how technology provides opportunities for students to develop higher thinking and problem-solving skills. (SM)

Describes activities at the Frost Lake (Minnesota) Magnet School of Technology that relate to global concepts including interdependence, economics, and cultural change. Projects in sixth-grade and second-grade classes are explained, and benefits of an integrated approach are discussed, including student motivation and the use of higher order…

Examines three integrated-courseware systems for Web-based online courses and considers the integration of pedagogy in courseware authoring systems. Topics include knowledge; learning; motivation; and pedagogy based on effective use of electronic learning environments for the development of cognitive skills through access to information,…

Describes efforts to adapt R-WISE (Reading and Writing in a Supportive Environment), a computer program developed for the military, for public education. Field testing at MacArthur High School (Texas) using ninth-grade classes is discussed, including fostering higher-order thinking skills, coping with change, and integrating software into the…

The ability to interpret information from any source, and increasingly visual sources, is a vital skill for all graduates in contemporary culture. The development of the skills to read visual texts and communicate that understanding requires a certain level of critical thinking and reflection, skills which can only be developed over time, through…

R-WISE (Reading and Writing in a Supportive Environment), a computerized package for teaching critical literacy, is described, focusing on its use in developing reading comprehension. The program eases demands on short-term memory, highlights strategically important aspects of comprehending text, guides internalization and self-initiation of…

Discussion of differences in elementary and secondary school mathematics instruction between the United States and The Netherlands focuses on a Dutch project brought to the United States that uses print materials and software products. Topics addressed include integrating technology into the curriculum; cultural differences; designing assessment;…